St Kilda have denied North Melbourne’s stand-in coach Brett Ratten his revenge, beating the Kangaroos by 9 factors to remain within the AFL high eight.
The Saints trailed by 16 factors and have been in serious trouble at three-quarter time of the Sunday twilight recreation at Marvel Stadium, however stormed house to win 9.15 (69) to 9.6 (60).
St Kilda would have dropped out of the highest eight had they misplaced.
It was an emotion-charged recreation, given the Saints ruthlessly sacked Ratten final 12 months after extending his contract solely weeks earlier than.
But the Kangaroos couldn’t preserve the momentum they constructed via the center of the sport as St Kilda kicked 5 targets to 1 within the final time period.
It was a a lot wanted win for St Kilda after they’d misplaced 4 of their previous 5 video games, whereas North’s dropping streak grew to 16.
The loss was no fault of star North on-baller Luke Davies-Uniacke, who was greatest afield with 33 possessions, with 23 of them contested, and 11 clearances.
Saints captain Jack Steele additionally racked up 33 disposals and put his facet in entrance 12 minutes into the final time period when he intercepted a clearing kick from Kangaroos defender Paul Curtis.
That essential play typified the turnover-laden match, with neither facet in a position to construct momentum due to a succession of dealing with errors.
But after trailing at quarter-time, North constructed a two-goal lead on the fundamental break and seemed extra more likely to win as they kicked two targets to 1 within the third time period.
However, the Saints shortly kicked the primary two targets of the ultimate time period and North have been unable to curb their momentum.
Tarryn Thomas and Nick Larkey kicked three targets apiece for North, whereas Mitch Owens and Jack Higgins had two for St Kilda, together with a snap 27 minutes into the ultimate quarter to seal the consequence.
Saints speedster Bradley Hill went to hospital with chest ache after a heavy bump from Aidan Corr within the first quarter.
North teenager Charlie Lazzaro was a late withdrawal with a again harm and Daniel Howe took his place.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
